Welcome to WWI's ongoing coverage of Monday Night Raw. This week Raw was live from the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's been three years since Monday Night Raw has visited Cincinnati.

Raw is on the road to "No Mercy" this week. Seems like they're always on the road to someplace. What sort of speed bumps do you suppose the Superstars will encounter this week?

Of course, there's the Monday Night Football speed bump, which seems to be a weekly thorn in WWE's side. It's the Jets vs. the Chargers tonight. Is the lure of Bret Favre more irresistible than the lure of wrestling?

Let's find out . . .

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The show opened with the title belt positioned above a 15-foot ladder in the ring. Michael Cole told viewers that it was the 800^th episode of Raw. Cue the confetti.

Jericho came out in a suit and climbed the ladder so he could be close to his beloved title belt. Jericho contended that HBK was trying to re-write history by saying that he'd revolutionized the ladder match and that the mindless fans had believed him. Jericho countered that he'd actually won more ladder matches, and he would win the upcoming match at "No Mercy."

Jericho was on a pretty good rant, but Randy Orton came out to add his thoughts. What a treat.

Orton said he'd told Mike Adamle that he was a third generation superstar who needed to be protected. Adamle had agreed. But what kind of sense does that make? If he's such a tough guy, why does he need to hide behind the GM for protection?

Jericho had heard enough. He told Orton to get well soon and left.

Orton was still in a snit and tossed the 15-foot ladder out of the ring.

Well, Jericho might have been gone, but CM Punk had a bone to pick with Orton. Steam was practically coming out of Punk's ears as he tried not to hit the protected Orton. But the temptation became too much, and Punk slapped Orton across the chops.

Mike Adamle came running down the ramp and shouted at Punk for defying an edict. As a result of his actions, he was suspended indefinitely and immediately.

Brilliant--someone who can keep butts in seats and they suspend him.

Shane McMahon actually walked down the ramp like a grown-up and addressed the general manager. Shane commented on Adamle's need for on-the-job training and explained that what Punk had given Orton was a "receipt." Shane officially overruled Adamle's suspension of CM Punk.

Orton exploded in a rage and told Shane he couldn't do that. Oh yes, he could. He told Orton to respect his position. Then he ordered Orton to leave the ring. Punk had a smile on his face.

Shane indulged in a little mind-reading and made a match he thought Adamle was going to make--CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes. Then Shane channeled Adamle again and made the main event match--Jericho & JBL vs. Batista & HBK.

(Keep Shane and throw out Adamle.)

Shane was so pumped, he danced up the ramp.

(Commercial break)

Good back and forth action, with no interference from a certain precious partner for a change.

(Commercial break)

Coming back to the show, I could swear that Michael Cole welcomed viewers to Friday Night Raw. No matter.

During the commercial, Cody had worked over Punk's leg. Punk managed to return the favor. Then he slapped Cody and gave him a couple of head kicks. Punk made the winning pin and the crowd went nuts.

After the fact, Manu and Ted DiBiase the Younger came out and started to give Punk a beat down. But Kofi Kingston came to the rescue.

(Commercial break)

Backstage, Adamle told Shane he was embarrassed by what had happened in the ring.

Kane barged in and Adamle stood up to him. Or at least he hoped he had. Kane also told Shane to say hello to his mother.

Santino (wearing broken-nose gear) and the Bethazon chastised Kelly Kelly for laughing at Santino last week when they'd interfered in Batista's match. Batista walked up behind Santino and chuckled. Santino was started and ran like the wind.

(Commercial break)

Santino pulled out his Honk-a-Meter. He said the Happy Days were over and he'd beat up Fonzie next.

Fonzie, err, Deuce lost rather quickly. Well, you knew he would since Santino needs way more honks on his Honk a Meter before all is said and done. But it would have been nice to give Deuce a fair chance.

Santino wished Kelly Kelly luck in the ring with the Bethazon later.

Rey Mysterio wished Evan Borne luck in his upcoming match.

(Commercial break)

Bourne was a lot more feisty than Kane had expected and tried to take Kane down to his size. His high-flying skills are always amazing to watch. Bourne gave it everything he had, but Kane prevailed with the winning pin.

After the match Kane was going to do a little more damage to Bourne when Mysterio came down to the ring to make the save. He got choke slammed for his trouble.

Jamie Noble was trying to have a word with Shane McMahon when Dolph Ziggler showed up and introduced himself. Sadly, Jamie's moment had passed, as the next person to try to get a word with Shane was Randy Orton.

Randy was trying to impress Shane by saying they were third generation. Shane informed Randy that he was fourth generation. That shut Randy up.

(Commercial break)

This was a battle of the hair extensions. If they had a hair-pulling match, they could literally snatch each other bald-headed.

Kelly Kelly definitely held her own with the Bethazon, then, Santino's interference from the sidelines resulted in Kelly Kelly getting a quick pin.

As Santino and the Bethazon were ready to tee off on Kelly Kelly after the match, Batista came out to settle a score with Santino. Beth was smart enough to stay out of Batista's reach, but Santino couldn't resist being crazy brave for his lady love and paying the price.

Miz and Morrison were mocking Cryme Tyme, who called them "posers." This was a really good segment that gave both tag teams more dimension.

(Commercial break)

Decent match with a lot of false finishes. By hook, and crook, Miz and Morrison took the win.

(Commercial break)

Backstage, Jericho was telling Adamle that Shane really wanted to challenge Adamle as GM. To that end, Jericho had something to discuss with the new GM.

Earlier today, Charlie Haas had been at a Dave & Busters to pay an awkward tribute to Curt Hennig, Mr. Perfect. He put on a curly blond wig and played all the games at D&B perfectly. If you ask me, this segment was in questionable taste.

(Commercial break)

Lillian said she'd been informed that the main event would be a 2-on-3 handicap match.

Cade started things off with HBK It eventually became HBK vs. the whole other team, who each took a turn pounding on HBK. HBK with a hot tag to Batista, who cleaned house. Finally HBK started to tune up, but the whole thing turned into a brawl. Cade pinned Michaels to take the win for his team in this lopsided match.  Never fear, next week will probably be HBK's turn to win, since there are still a couple of weeks til "No Mercy."